Storage Basics Overview

It’s not always easy to find a great storage unit, especially if you’ve never used one before and don’t know what options are available.

Before you rent a storage unit, it’s important to determine what you need so you don’t rent the wrong one.

The first thing to do is to determine how long you’ll need the storage unit. Some facilities may provide a discount if you commit to renting a unit for a certain number of months. Others may have specials for those who need a temporary storage space.

How must space do you need? There’s no need to spend money renting a large unit if you don’t need that much space. You can use a self-storage calculator to help you determine this. You’ll find storage spaces range from small areas that are great for storing holiday decorations or a few odds and ends to large spaces that can hold cars and other vehicles.

How often are you going to want to access the items you have in storage? Some facilities provide 24/7 access. Others may have specific hours of operation. Some provide drive-up access, while others do not. Look at what each facility offers before committing to one.

Are you going to store anything that is sensitive to humidity or extreme temperatures? If the answer is yes, you’ll want to rent a climate-controlled unit. These units are perfect for storing clothing, leather, paintings, photographs, antiques, wine, software, paper, musical instruments, collectibles, electronics, and anything that could be damaged from extreme cold, heat, or humidity.

What security does the storage facility offer? Most are gated, but some also include surveillance cameras, guards, alarms, and motion lights. If you’re storing items that are extremely sentimental or have high value, you want to be certain they’re safe.

Another thing to consider is mobile storage. Here, the storage facility actually delivers a small storage unit to your location. You pack it, then the facility takes it back to the storage area. They can even ship the unit to another location if you’re moving. Pricing is similar to self-storage, and climate controlled options are available. However, you don’t necessarily have the option of accessing the items in storage as quickly or as easily.

Once you’ve answered the questions posed above, you’ll have all of the information you need to determine your storage needs.